Terrie’s Urgent Surgery: Help Needed

In 2023, my mom, Terrie, was having a lot of health issues. She has seen so many doctors and specialists, but no one could figure out what was going on. She has suffered with constant pain, discomfort, and diarrhea for almost 2 years. Well, approximately 3 months ago, Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City found a very large hiatal hernia. Mom was told about the hernia in 2023, but she was told it was a very small one. We never would have thought that something we were told was nothing to worry about could end up this serious. The hernia was so large that over 80% of her stomach was pushed up into her diaphragm . The hernia was to the point it was causing her to have uncontrollable pain. She was in and out of the hospital. She was told that if she didn’t have the surgery, the hernia could cause her to smother/aspirate in her sleep. Mom was to the point she was having trouble eating, suffering with severe heartburn and acid reflux. The acid would come up in her throat at night, causing burning to where she couldn’t catch her breath. It took a couple of months for all the testing due to her age and health to get her set up to undergo the procedure. Well, surgery was performed on the 26th this month at Ochsner New Orleans. She has Medicare insurance, but on the day of her surgery, we were told her insurance wasn’t going to cover all of the hospital fees. The lady told us it had to be paid in full before they could even register her to have her procedure. Well, finally we were told we could pay 10% and they would register her. Well, I paid the 10% of the balance so they could register her. I could not see her suffering another day. The doctor was in her network and fully covered, just not covering the complete hospital bill. We spoke to a few ladies in the financial office to make payments on the remaining balance. Well, they are telling us she will be billed, but it needs to be paid in full. Mom can’t afford that at this time in her life. She had a major surgery and can’t work. Her healing process is 8-10 weeks. She has a huge heart and has always done for others. I am asking for donations to help pay her medical bill acquired by this unexpected surgery.